Wheal Martyn

Discover Cornwall's secret at the UK's only china clay mining museum.
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Set in 26 acres of woodland and amongst the remains of a Victorian china clay works nestled in the historic Ruddle Valley Wheal Martyn provides a fascinating day of discovery and adventure for everyone

17/07/2026

Always wanted to have a go at pottery? Our next Basic Introduction to Pottery Workshop is on Saturday 25 July, book today to learn more about the craft!

We are running a one-day workshop where you will be shown two basic techniques – how to make a pinch pot and a decorative tile.

You will get to paint your creations with a selection of different coloured slips. Your work will go off to have a clear glaze applied and be fired in our kiln ready for collection or delivery. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try.

Level: Beginners, from age 10 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Workshop duration: 4 hours

Price: £45.00 per person

Book on our website: https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/basic-introduction-to-pottery-workshop-25-july-26

16/07/2026

This week's post is a photo of Lee Moor Brick & Tile Works in 1914.

Come back next week for more! 📸

15/07/2026

Save the date! 📅 Our new exhibition opens soon 🎉

And Everything And Nothing Has Changed is coming to Wheal Martyn for the 1 August, 2026.

An exhibition showcasing work by artist Robin James Sullivan. And Everything And Nothing Has Changed (2021) was an ambitious public arts and heritage project by Robin James Sullivan that explored how landscapes hold memory and change. Developed across Cornwall’s China Clay Country, the project brought together over 450 participants through workshops, conversations, field trips and creative events.

The new exhibition of the same name explores landscape, memory, industry and community through sculpture, performance and fieldwork. Its centrepiece is the spectacular two-metre-tall ceramic standing stone, collaboratively designed and built by local communities before being fired in a purpose-built kiln beneath the iconic Sky Tip on the edge of St Austell, just a couple miles from Wheal Martyn.

We can't wait to open this amazing exhibit next month!

Find out times and entry pricing on our website: https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/and-everything-and-nothing-has-changed

14/07/2026

Pop in and join us for a pottery painting session on Tuesday, 28 July! 🖌

There will be a choice of items for children and adults to paint ranging from ornaments to dinnerware. You will be set up with the paints and directed on how best to apply them, then you can have fun and get creative.

Collection/delivery: Your item will usually be ready within two to five weeks. You can either collect your item from Wheal Martyn or we can post it to you for a small fee.

Beginners, from age 4 welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Price: From £6.00 depending on item selected for painting (in addition to normal museum admission fee).

13/07/2026

Come see Quest for the Lost Words here at Wheal Martyn on the 20 August!

Quest for the Lost Words is an uplifting blend of dance, storytelling, music, that celebrates the wild world and the species we risk forgetting.

Using captivating music from Matt Thomason and The People's String Foundation, and voiced by the magnetic Sue Hill (Wildworks / Kneehigh) this heart-warming production rekindles wonder, sparks curiosity and invites audiences of all ages to step into a re-wilded landscape where lost words return home. A reminder that every word - and every species - matters.

This is an outdoor performance, so please dress for the weather. Please bring cushions, chairs and a picnic if you fancy!

Times:
Pre-promenade performance: please arrive at 3:40pm for a 4.00pm start
Main performance: please arrive for 4.45pm for a 5.00pm start

Ticket prices:
Pre-promenade performance: £5 per person
Main performance: Adults £10; Children £6

Available to book now on our website: https://www.wheal-martyn.com/event/quest-for-the-lost-words

10/07/2026

Make your own mini ceramic Cornish cottage, harbour or boat out of clay, inspired by places from around Cornwall at our next Boats & Houses Pottery Workshop on Sunday 19 July. 🚣🏽‍♀️🏠

Running from 10am to 2pm.

Beginners, all ages welcome. Any child under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Price £45 per person for the four hour session.

Pre-booking essential at https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/boats-houses-pottery-workshop-19-july-26

09/07/2026

This week's post features a photo of Old Pound Pit in 1987 with a Land Rover in the shot. 🛻

Come back next week for more!

08/07/2026

Looking for a fun summer holiday activity? ☀

The Lotta and Lola Museum Trail is coming to Wheal Martyn!

Follow the trail around the museum to help Lotta and Lola collect kind and useful-ish words that help us all get along. Complete the trail to collect a free sticker. 🌟

More info at: https://kidsinmuseums.org.uk/what-we-
do/museum-trails/the-lotta-lola-museum-trail/

The is run by in partnership with and .

07/07/2026

Have you been to one of our Wheels events yet? Join us on Wednesday 15 July for the next one from 6pm! 🛻

More details here👇
wheal-martyn.com/Event/wheels-evening-at-wheal-martyn

06/07/2026

Join the Mevagissey Shanty Festival at Wheal Martyn for our annual fundraising concert!

⭐ Satuday 11 July, 2026 at 7:00pm to 10:30pm ⭐

The Block House Chainers from Fowey and The DerryAirs from Downderry will be performing traditional and original shanties and folk songs inspired by Cornwall and our rich mining and maritime heritage.

Doors open at 6.15pm, performance starts at 7.00pm

Price: £14.00 per person (age 12 and under free)

Book tickets on our website: https://www.wheal-martyn.com/Event/mevagissey-shanty-joint-fundraiser-26

Address

Wheal Martyn, Carthew, Street Austell
Saint Austell
PL268XG

Telephone

+441726850362

Website

https://www.wheal-martyn.com/

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